Press Release: New York State, September 7, 2001

Governor George E. Pataki today announced that the New York State Canal Corporation's venerable tugboat Urger, the historic flagship celebrating its 100th birthday this year, has been officially nominated for the State and National Registers of Historic Places. Built in 1901, the Corporation's tug is one of the oldest working vessels in the country.

"This 100-year-old tugboat was first commissioned during the presidency of Teddy Roosevelt and has served the historic Canal System admirably in a multitude of capacities during the 20th century," Pataki said. "It now serves its most important mission of all educating our children about the history of the legendary Erie Canal and the vital role it played in the development of New York State and our great nation." The State Historic Preservation Office today recommended placing the Urger on the State and National Registers of Historic Places, the official lists of properties significant in the history, architecture and archeology of New York State and the nation. A presentation acknowledging the tugboats nomination as a candidate for placement on the registers -- and the Urger's 100th birthday will be held at the Tugboat Roundup celebration at the Town of Waterford Visitors Center on Saturday, September 8, at 11 a.m.

Thruway Authority and Canal Corporation Chairman Louis R. Tomson said, "The Canal Corporation is pleased to be able to accept this honor on behalf of the tugboat Urger, which has served the Canal System faithfully through the years. Governor Pataki's ongoing commitment to showcasing the rich history of the Canal System has done wonders to encourage tourism and investment in Canal-side communities. And the Urger's hands-on educational program is an investment in our most precious resource our children."

Parks Commissioner and State Historic Preservation Officer Bernadette Castro said, "Governor Pataki's longstanding commitment to preservation has provided many opportunities to showcase our State's incredible historic resources. The tugboat Urger is a wonderful example of the significant marine heritage we have here in New York and we are proud of its nomination to the State and National Registers of Historic Places. Now a century old, this important vessel will help heighten appreciation of our past, while ensuring a valuable education for future generations."

The State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation is the State agency charged with processing and keeping the State and National Registers of Historic Places.

Each spring and fall, the Urger visits communities along the Canal Corridor where fourth-grade students participate in hands-on educational lessons and learn about the role that the legendary waterway played in making New York the Empire State. This educational tour is presented by the New York State Canal Corporation at no charge to participating schools.

Thruway Authority and Canal Corporation Executive Director John Platt said, "The Canal Corporation is proud that the Urger is able to continue its longstanding reign as the flagship vessel of our fleet. The tug has played an important role throughout the history of the Canal System and continues to be a focal point for New York's Canals and Canal-side communities."

The 75-foot tug, originally used for commercial fishing and as a rescue boat, now acts as the ambassador tug for the New York State Canal Corporation's fleet. The Urger entered the New York State Canal fleet in the 1920s and served more than 60 years hauling machinery, dredges and scows on the Champlain Canal and on the legendary Erie Canal.

"Today, the Urger, our official ambassador, continues to serve the Canal System, Canal-side communities, school children and adults just as it did 100 years ago," said Director of Canals Robert Brooks. "Not only is the Urger a tremendous asset to the New York State Canal System, but it is an invaluable tool in making education fun and interesting for thousands of school children across the State."

After retiring from service in the mid-1980s, the Urger was reenlisted into service with a new mission. Since 1991, the Urger has been used to educate tens of thousands of school children and adults about the importance and history of the New York State Canal System.

For more information about the tug Urger program and Canal activities please visit the Canal Corporation's website at www.canals.state.ny.us or call the Canal Corporation at 1-800-4CANAL4.